Back pain, codeine, help

[Myoldbones]

I have horrendous back pain at the moment and my doctor has prescribed me Zapain 30/500mg. I’m a bit nervous about taking it though due to the 30mg of codeine and worried it might make me feel awful after reading other people's experiences.

However I’ve been taking 2x 8/500mg over the counter and have no side effects at all. The dr asked if I was ok taking it and suggested the higher dose until I see the MSK team at the hospital.

If I am totally fine on 2x 8/500 mg am I likely to be ok on the higher dose of 30/500mg? Has anybody else taken the higher dose and not had awful side effects? If you can’t take it, is it any dose at all you don’t tolerate? Suppose what I’m asking is if 8mg doesnt affect me is it usually the same experience with a higher dose?

i’m desperate to get some relief from this pain but don’t want to counteract it by feeling ill due to the medication.

so sorry to hear you are in pain

I took a high dose of codeine for a short while (less than a week) and I found a higher dose made me feel quite strange so I did ask to reduce it again.

Also watch out for constipation - I needed to take Movicol whilst I was on a regular dose.

If you are in horrific pain then I think you have to at least try the higher dose and see how you get on?

Not sure what is actually causing your pain but is there any other suggestion to help with the pain - eg Tens machine or heat packs /cold packs? Or something else?

If you don't want to take the 30's but the 8's aren't enough trying the solpadiene max. They're 12.8 codiene so bit stronger than the 8 but not as powerful as the 30. Though I'd try the 30's first if it was me

Keep moving and stretching and book to see a physio for an assessment ASAP.

I take very strong painkillers and cocodamol 30/500 does nothing for my pain or side effects. An anti inflammatory might help if you can take that. I also really rate a tens machine for some relief and distraction and heat and cold packs.

if you are in a lot of pain it’s definitely worth a try, it doesn’t last long so if you do feel off it will go.

Just take one co codamol (zapain) and one regular paracetamol. That way you have the proper dose of paracetamol (2× 500mg) and 30mg of codeine. Then if needed u still have the option of two co codamol of you need a higher dose of pain relief.

I take them for back pain and can make me feel drowsy but no major side effects. Just remember no more than 3 days of taking them as can cause addiction. Obviously people with Dr supervision can have them longer term but only with their instructions.

I also have a bad back. I’m taking 60mg codeine, with no problem. Can you take ibuprofen? I can’t but I’m using voltarol gel, which helps.

I'm on zapain too. I don't take it as a rule, but when I have pain. I've not taken it for a month or so as my pain hasn't been around until the last couple of weeks.

If you dont like the strength you can take one with an ibuprofen .

split the dose and see how you feel. Take one paracetamol and one zapain. If you feel ok but still in pain you can try taking 2 zapain after the 4hour have passed.
if you can take ibuprofen you can take those along side paracetamol/zapain.
if you feel a bit drowsy on the higher dose take it at bedtime it should help you sleep.
don’t take it on an empty stomach and drink plenty water. Codeine can cause constipation do keep an eye on that you don’t want that discomfort on top of your sore back.
if your pain allows it try to keep moving to stop seizing up.
try heat/cold to alleviate the pain as well

Zapain is one of the only things that works for my back when it’s bad. I don’t have any effects from it, but I know people who do.

Thanks everyone. I may start with just one tablet, I’ve been prescribed 2x 30/500 four times a day. I am taking ibuprofen too as and when needed. I guess I won’t know until I take one how I will react, hopefully like some of you experience I’ll be ok without any awful side effects.

I know about the dreaded constipation, that is the one side effect I get even with the lower dose.

I’ve been to physio and am still seeing them although not helping much, but glad I am being seen by an MSK consultant now.

To the poster that said don’t take for more than 3 days, I’ve been prescribed them until the consultant assesses me, so much longer than 3 days, I know they can be addictive for some so will be careful with them.